Drugs & Vitamins

Herceptin Active Ingredients: Trastuzumab Representative Names: Herceptin What is trastuzumab injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with trastuzumab? What side effects may I notice from receiving trastuzumab? What should I watch for while taking trastuzumab? Where can I keep my medicine? What is trastuzumab injection? (Back to top) Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a protein that reacts with a specific site on a cell. Trastuzumab targets a protein called HER2. This protein is found on the surface of some types of cancer cells including prostate, colon, and ovarian cancers and 25—30% of breast cancer cells. Trastuzumab works by interfering with how these tumor cells grow and causes these cells to die. Generic trastuzumab injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •breathing problems, such as asthma or COPD •bleeding problems •blood disorders •chest pain •heart disease or heart failure •infection (especially virus infections such as chickenpox or herpes) •prior treatment with radiation therapy or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, epirubicin, or mitoxantrone •lung disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to trastuzumab, benzyl alcohol, or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Trastuzumab is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. Continue a regular schedule of doses, usually given as a weekly infusion. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or other health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with trastuzumab? (Back to top) •warfarin •other chemotherapy agents, especially cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, may increase some of the side effects due to trastuzumab Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving trastuzumab? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with trastuzumab therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or other health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •chest pain •cough •difficulty breathing or shortness of breath •feeling lightheaded or dizziness upon standing •rapid heart beat, racing heart •swelling of ankles or legs •shortness of breath •swelling or tightening of the throat or tongue •wheezing More common: •chills •fever •rash or hives •nausea and/or vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •loss of appetite •diarrhea •sore throat •headache •itching •muscle aches •tingling of fingers or toes •pain •dizziness •runny nose •stomach pain •nasal congestion •unusual tiredness or weakness What should I watch for while taking trastuzumab? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or healthcare professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks if you receive trastuzumab with chemotherapy. The side effects of trastuzumab can occur after you finish your infusion; report any side effects promptly, especially any difficulties in breathing, feeling lightheaded, hives, or other signs of an allergic reaction. If you receive trastuzumab and chemotherapy together, you may have an increased number of side effects due to the chemotherapy. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose; do not treat yourself. You may experience fever, chills and shakes during your first infusion of trastuzumab. These effects are usually mild and can be treated with medicines. Report any reactions that occur during the infusion to your health care professional. These effects usually do not happen with later infusions. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. Trastuzumab will be given in a hospital or clinic setting; you will not need to store this medicine at home. Last Updated:09/06/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.